After: The skewed intersection was straightened with corners that have a smaller radii, thereby reducing the speed of turning vehicles, and reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians.Source: Designing for Pedestrian Safety

Modify Skewed Intersections

Strategies for improving pedestrian safety at existing skewed intersection crossings include providing high visibility marked crosswalks and adding medians or channelization islands to reduce crossing distance. In some cases, it may be possible to reconfigure the intersection by straightening the skewed approach thereby reducing the speed of turning vehicles by creating a tighter turning radius, and reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians. Intersection guide strips for pedestrians with restricted vision may also be considered in some situations. Moving crosswalks back from the intersection to shorten crossing distances is generally not a preferred strategy because it is counter to pedestrian or motorist expectations, and it can create problems for visually impaired pedestrians.

When skewed intersections are unavoidable, the intersection should be designed so that the angle between intersecting streets is as close to 90 degrees as possible. In addition, if major alterations are being done to an existing skewed intersection, transportation agencies should consider whether it is possible to reconfigure the intersection so that the crossings are more perpendicular.

Purpose

Skewed intersections occur when streets intersect at angles other than 90 degrees and can create complicated scenarios for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Skewed intersections result in longer crossing distances for pedestrians and facilitate higher speed turning movements by vehicles. Correcting skewed intersections provides safer crossing conditions for pedestrians of all abilities.

Considerations

• Avoid construction of skewed intersections whenever possible during the planning stages of the project development process.

Estimated Cost

See curb radius reduction, high visibility crosswalk, and curb ramp countermeasures. There would be additional costs associated with substantial reconfiguration of intersection geometrics. When reconfiguring intersection some right-of-way may have to be purchased, but this can be offset by the larger area no longer needed for the intersection, which can be sold back to adjoining property owners or repurposed for a pocket park, rain garden, greenery, etc.